Are you able to spend your time wisely by opting for a restaurant meal every once in awhile. I always enjoy the night off when we either eat out or bring home from the take-out window.
In our 5-week series on 10 ways to cut the expense of eating out, we have looked at options 1-6 in Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. In this fourth week of the series, we will look at gift cards and gift certificates and using the TO GO option at some restaurants to help us refrain from overspending in our food budgets.
OPTION 7: Use gift cards or gift certificates.
GIFT CARDS: Most gift cards are plastic and rectangular, like a credit card. They can be redeemable at one or more locations. Because the card is used like a credit card, you can carry a balance on the card. (For example, you have a $25 gift card to Red Lobster. You and a friend have lunch, use a coupon, and drink water. Your total comes to $22.00. You pay the bill with the gift card, leave the tip in cash, and retain your gift card with the remaining $3 to be used on another visit.)
- If you receive gift cards as a present, gift, or bonus, then using them in conjunction with a coupon could dramatically decrease your out-of-pocket spending. (TIP: Remember to tip your server on the full amount of the bill rather than the portion you owe.)
- When our credit card points on our Discover card reach the $20 level, I begin to investigate the options available. If there is a restaurant we plan to visit, I have enough points, and the value is worth spending my points, then I will cash in my points for that gift card. Usually I can cash in my $20 points for a $25 gift card which is a great deal to me.
GIFT CERTIFICATES: Usually gift certificates are printed on paper. They can be redeemable at one or more locations. The certificate must be used all at one time adhering to the restrictions printed in the terms of the agreement.
- I have received gift certificates with our Discover credit card points. When I receive a certificate, I make sure to read all the terms listed. (For example, not valid on Friday or Saturday, excludes alcohol, minimum purchase amount, dine-in only, etc.)
- Besides cashing in credit card points, I also purchase gift certificates. Two of my favorite places to buy gift certificates are:
1. www.groupon.com: This website is a daily deal site. Each day a new deal is posted. The deal can be anything from entertainment to food to traveling to car maintenance. If enough orders are placed (set up by the company), then the deal will be on. If there is not enough interest, then you cannot purchase the certificate at the discounted rate. (For example, the Groupon of the day might be a $25 gift certificate to Fuddruckers for a price of $10. If enough orders are placed, then you can purchase this gift certificate for $10.) This website is great for gifts and services your family might need.
2. www.restaurant.com: My family and friends receive these gift certificates from our family in celebration of anniversaries, birthdays, and Christmas. This site offers gift certificates to local restaurants that you find by zip code. A % off discount code or promotional code can usually be found on their home page. I will wait for an 80% off code, and then purchase the gift certificates: the $25 certificates will be $2 and the $10 certificates are only $1. Can you see why I really like this site? I do wait for the sales to maximize my savings. When the prices are low, I stock up. This website is great for gifts and for meals that your family will enjoy.
OPTION 8: Get your meal To Go.
You can save on drinks and gratuity by opting to use take out. You can enjoy the same meal in the comfort of your home with your own drink for a fraction of the cost.
Some restaurants have different menu options at their take out window. A local seafood and chicken restaurant offers a great TO GO deal: huge take-out box of calabash chicken, 5 side items (baked potato, baked sweet potato, French fries, or vegetables), full take-out box of hushpuppies, 5 coleslaw cups, and a gallon of sweet tea for $19.99. This meal feeds our family for two days. At this price, it is worth the little drive to pick it up.
Whether you can plan ahead to purchase gift cards or gift certificates or you choose to pick up your dinner saving on drinks and tip, I hope you are about to maximize your savings while enjoying your family time around the meal table.